Programmable control system for glassware forming machines

ABSTRACT

A control system for the control of a multisection glassware forming machine in a manner which enables totally independent operation of any section regardless of the status of remaining sections. The control program for each section is stored in unalterable, read-only memory within a local computer associated respectively with each section. Each local computer is provided with at least two communication ports. A local terminal may be selectively connected to any local computer via one of the communication ports to enter and display timing setting data. A machine terminal or machine supervisory computer may be selectively connected to any local computer through the other one of the ports. A bidirectional communications interface enables data transfer between the selected local computers and selected data input/output devices.

This is a continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 06/765,566filed on Aug. 13, 1985, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 461,086filed 1/26/83 both now abandonded.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to controllers for controlling thecyclical operation of a plurality of machine components. Morespecifically, the invention relates to computer based timing and controlof the plurality of components in each section of a multi-sectionglassware forming machine.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Electronic timing or control systems are well known for the control of aplurality of components of a machine. In some machines the componentsare arranged in a plurality of identical sections, each operatingindependently of the others in predetermined phase relationship relativeto the machine cycle. Prior art electronic control systems havecontrolled the operation of such sections as a unit and haveconsequently required use of a single central processing unit (CPU) orsupervisory controller connected in hierarchical fashion to a pluralityof section controllers. A disadvantage of such systems is that amalfunction of the central controller of the hierarchy preventsoperation of any subordinate section controllers.

An example of a multi-section machine of this type is the well-knownindividual section (IS) glassware forming machine. Electronic timingsystems for glassware forming machines have been used for many years inplace of mechanical, rotating timing drums. The old timing drums controlthe actuation of the various components within each section of themachine by actuating associated pneumatic valves with cams placed incircumferential grooves on the drum surface. Electronic timing systemsreplaced the rotating drum and cams with a solenoid actuated valve block(such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,918,489 assigned to theassignee of the present invention) and control means for actuatingselected valves at predetermined times in a predetermined sequencerelative to a machine cycle reference point. One major advantage ofelectronic timing systems is the ease with which the timing settings ofthe various components may be adjusted during machine operation.

Some prior art IS machine electronic timing systems use timing pulsegenerators and counters to count pulses occurring during the machinecycle and compare the current count to preset counts to determine wheneach component or machine event should be actuated (for example, U.S.Pat. No. 3,762,907). Other prior art electronic timing systems usesimilar count comparisons, but store the preset component timingsettings (or machine events) in a core memory (for example, U.S. Pat.No. 3,974,432). Each device disclosed in these two prior art patentsserves to control actuation of all section components within the machinebut does not provide for independent control of each section.

Programmable automatic machine controllers are also known in the priorart as shown in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 29,642. This controller, however,utilizes a central machine console to couple data to and from eachindividual section memory unit, thus also preventing totally independentsection operation. A similar centrally oriented system, but oneincorporating feedback sensors and means for varying the duration of allevents in response thereto, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,108,623.

Another type of programmable prior art controller is disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,152,134. This device is limited because it requires acentral, machine supervisory computer to load control program and timingdata into individual section computers. A malfunction in the machinesupervisory computer would affect efficient operation of the sections ofthe machine.

Yet another programmable controller is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,247,317 which shows one way to store event timing data in a randomaccess memory and means to alter same. This device uses a centralconsole to control the relative timing of each section which effectivelyties all section computer-memory controllers together into onehierarchical machine control system incapable of truly independentsection operation.

U.K. Patent Specification No. 1,594,532, assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention, discloses a prior art electronic control system whichutilizes independent, asynchronous clock signals which are produced at arate independent of the speed of the glassware forming machine. Thesystem disclosed is also for the control of a machine rather than asection.

Other examples of electronic controllers using one computer to controlall sections of a machine are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,877,915 andRe. 29,188, assigned to the assignee of the present invention.

U.K. Patent GB No. 2,022,870B discloses a control system with one memorycontroller controlling each section of a machine. Even if this memorycontroller is implemented by a microcomputer (as is disclosed in thepatent) the microcomputer merely emulates the memory controller'sfunction and the necessary result is a simplistic cycling of the memorycontroller through a predetermined sequence of steps. There is no meansdisclosed for enabling modification of this predetermined sequence ofsteps at the section level in response to operator control. While theoperator may adjust timing, there is no disclosure of means by which theoperator could change the actual sequence of steps at the section level.Furthermore, the U.K. patent discloses a device necessitating ahierarchical computer or some other external type of loading mechanismfor loading a control program. This is a limitation of the independenceof the machine sections because they are dependent on an externalloading device. Furthermore, this U.K. patent does not disclose meansfor controlling auxiliary machine functions.

All of the above prior art patents generally disclose a control systemarchitecture comprising a "machine" controller and a plurality ofsubordinate "section" controllers. Such prior art devices therefore havethe disadvantage of either requiring external devices to load controlprogram data or of causing a shut down or inefficient operation of theentire machine in the event the main supervisory computer goes down.

Accordingly, there is a need for an individual section, independentprogrammable controller capable of independent control of each sectionof a machine. Such an independent structure would enable simultaneousoperation of some or all sections of a machine and permit repairs ofselected section controllers without affecting the operation of othersections or necessitating shutting down the entire machine.

The operation of prior art IS machines generally necessitates theoperation of several desirable auxiliary or machine functions which arecommon to all sections although not required for the operation of anyone section. Auxiliary function controls include, for example, controlsfor drive systems (controlling feeders, shears, gob distributors,conveyors, ware transfer devices, etc.), alarms (to signal warnings ormalfunctions), shear spray (to lubricate and cool gob shears), culletwater and equipment, stackers (for lehr loading), surface coatingequipment, etc. The operation of these auxiliary functions is somewhatrelated to the operation of the sections of the machine although eachsection can operate independently of the auxiliary functions.

Aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,152,134 discloses the auxiliary functionof selective bottle rejection. However, the machine supervisory computerdisclosed in that patent provides the necessary link between eachindividual section and the bottle reject device. A malfunction of themachine supervisory computer would sever this link for all sections,thus preventing operation of this or other auxiliary functions with anysection. Additionally, similar disadvantages arise when peripheral datainput/output devices (such as keyboards, tape storage units oralphanumeric displays) are interfaced with the several sections througha hierarchical control structure.

Accordingly, it is another object of this invention to provide a controlsystem to enable individual section independent control while alsoenabling isolated data communication between selected independentsection controllers and selected peripheral data input/output unitsincluding auxiliary function devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the invention are achieved by the preferredembodiment disclosed herein which comprises a computer controlled timingsystem for controlling the actuation of a plurality of components ofeach section of a machine in accordance with a predetermined controlprogram and selected timing data, said machine including a plurality ofsaid sections each independently operable in phased relationship withinthe cycle of operation of said machine, said system for enabling thesimultaneous and independent operation of said plurality of sections,said system comprising:

a plurality of local computer means, each respectively associated withone of said sections, each of said local computer means havingnon-volatile storage means containing said predetermined control programand for containing said selected timing data therein for controlling theoperation of its respective section independently of any other one ofsaid sections;

a plurality of interface means each interposed respectively between oneof said local computer means and its associated section for actuatingthe components of said section in accordance with said predeterminedcontrol program and said selected timing data;

terminal means for the display of predetermined portions of saidpredetermined control program, for the display and entry of saidselected timing data and for the display and entry of other timing datato replace chosen portions of said selected timing data;

bidirectional communications means for selectively connecting saidterminal means to a selected one of said local computer means.

In one embodiment disclosed herein the control system further comprises:

(a) a plurality of local computer means, each respectively associatedwith one of said sections, each of said local computer means comprising:

an unalterable program storage means for storing said predeterminedcontrol program;

a non-volatile setting storage means for storing said selected timingdata;

first and second independent communication ports for enablinginteractive data communication between said local computer means andmeans connected to either of said ports;

(b) a global terminal means operatively connected to a machinesupervisory computer means;

(c) a machine supervisory computer means operatively connected to saidfirst communication ports and said global terminal means for selectivelyconnecting said global terminal means to a selected one of said firstcommunication ports, said machine supervisory computer not inhibitingthe independent operation of said plurality of sections;

(d) a plurality of interface means each interposed respectively betweeneach of said local computer means and its associated section foractuating the components of said section in accordance with saidpredetermined control program and said selected timing data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of one embodiment of theinvention installed for control of a multi-section glassware formingmachine;

FIG. 2 shows a more detailed schematic block diagram of a portion ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the local terminal shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the machine terminal shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a more detailed schematic of the multiplexer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the inventionutilizing a global control terminal;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of three operator controlpanels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to FIG. 1 there is shown a control system 10 comprising aplurality of independent, individual stand alone section controllers(SASCON) or local computers 12b-12n each one of which includes identicalhardware components although being capable of containing uniquesoftware. Each local computer 12 is assigned to a different section ofan n-section multi-section machine, for example, a glassware I.S.forming machine 14. Timing pulse generator 15 provides synchronizingpulses to each local computer 12. The phased operation of each sectionis determined by the program within each local computer which basicallyoffsets its respective starting point a predetermined amount from asynchronizing pulse. As shown in FIG. 1, a stand alone machinecontroller (SAMCON) or local computer "0" may be used to controlauxiliary machine processes. In the case of a glassware forming machinethese processes could be, for example, shear spray, cullet water andequipment, stacker, surface coating, alarms, drive systems for a feeder,shears, gob distributor conveyor, ware transfer devices etc. Localcomputer "0" identical to all other local computers 12 from a hardwarepoint of view and is therefore designated by the numeral 12a.

The output of each local computer 12 is connected to a valve block 16which serves as the actuation interface for actuating the various valvesassociated with the plurality of mechanical components in eachcorresponding individual section 18. The output of local computer 12afor controlling all auxiliary machines processes is connected by anactuation interface 20 to various auxiliary process actuators 22. Asstated before, a single local computer 12a may be used to control aplurality of auxiliary process actuators 22. For example, one actuatorcould be associated with a ware transfer device, another could beassociated with a gob distributor, etc.

Each local computer 12 is further provided with two data communicationsports: terminal port 61 and tape port 62. Each port 61 and 62 of eachlocal computer 12 is connected to multiplexer 63 which is in turnconnected to machine terminal 64 and tape unit 65. Plug 66 on each localcomputer 12 is a port to which a local or hand-held terminal 60 may beselectively connected. As will be discussed below, selected control dataor timing setting data from any chosen local computer may be entered ordisplayed either at machine terminal 64 or hand-held terminal 60. Ifdesired, several operators could control several sections simultaneouslyby each operator using his own hand-held terminal 60.

As shown in FIG. 2, each local computer 12 includes a fixed, unalterableread only memory 50 and a non-volatile random access memory 52. In thepreferred embodiment, ROM 50 comprises preprogrammed ROM chips (PROMs)for storing a predetermined control program to control the operation ofeach individual local computer 12 in accordance with timing settings ordata which may be entered into RAM 52. Each local computer 12 may havedifferent control programs stored in its ROM 50 depending on thefunction to be performed. For example, the control program stored in thelocal computer 12a associated with the auxiliary functions may bedifferent from that stored in the local computers 12b-13n. The timingdata in RAM 52 may be preprogrammed or may be entered by a machineoperator through hand-held local terminal 60 or machine terminal 64. RAM52 is non-volatile and may be connected to a battery back-up pack (notshown) to assure that the data in RAM 52 is not lost in the event ofinadvertent power failure.

Each local computer 12 also includes a central processing unit 54 anddata communications interfaces 56 and 58 interconnecting CPU 54 to localports 61 and 62, respectively. While ports 61 and 62 are is shown inFIG. 1 as being connected to multiplexer 63 this is not necessary forthe operation of the preferred embodiment. Since one advantage of theinvention is its flexibility and interchangeability of components, alllocal computers 12 are identical from a hardware point of view and are,in practice, constructed with both ports 61 and 62. However, only port61 and plug 66 need be used since data input and output can beaccomplished through hand-held terminal 60. The machine terminal 64 isnevertheless used in the preferred embodiment to provide the operatorwith a convenient, centrally located access point for all sections. Eachlocal computer 12 also includes a non-volatile random access memory 69for storing machine data representative of the particular machine withwhich the respective section of the local computer 12 is associated.Machine data may be considered superimposed on timing setting data anddepends on the particular installation and user and may be, for example,data specific to the operation of a particular machine such as thenumber of sections, number of gobs or other peculiarities of machineoperations. Machine data also includes set-up data such as assigningparticular actuator valves to specific computer output drivers. Theinvention thus permits the flexibility to assign different drivers todifferent valves in the event any driven output becomes defective. Localcontrol panels 67 and 68 are mounted on each individual section 18, oneon the blank side of the machine and one on the blow side. Each controlpanel provides local operator control of various functions as isexplained below with reference to FIG. 8.

In one preferred embodiment each local computer 12 was chosen to be aZ-80 microcomputer with a 20K ROM, a 2K non-volatile timing data andmedia storage and a 1K RAM.

An example of a portable, hand-held local computer terminal 60 is shownin FIG. 3. The basic structure of such a local terminal is aconventional unit available from many sources although the inventionincludes the unique functions to which the various keys are assigned.The particular local terminal 60 shown in FIG. 3 includes keypad 70having three groups of keys: the timing group comprising functions keys71-75; the data entry group comprising the digits and keys 76 and 77;and the menu group comprising keys 78-80. Terminal 60 also includes LEDdisplay 81 (two rows, sixteen characters each).

A sample display on local terminal 60 is shown in FIG. 3 to includecharacter groups 82-86. Group 82 represents the number of the eventchosen by the operator for display. Group 83 comprises either an "X" oran "O" to indicate whether the "off" timing setting or the "on" timingsetting, respectively, will be changed by the entry of data. Theoperator may alternately select either one of these characters by usingkey 72. Group 84 represents the name of the event (either in full orabbreviated form). This name appears automatically as a function of thenumber of the event identified by group 82. Group 85 represents the "on"time in degrees at which the particular event is actuated. Similarly,group 86 represents the "off" time at which that event is deactivated.The "on" and "off" times are automatically displayed to represent thethen current values associated with the particular chosen event.Depending upon the character represented in group 83, keys 73 and 74will either incrementally increase or decrease the "on" or "off" timesaccordingly. If a totally new timing setting is desired such thatincremental changes would be too time consuming, key 75 may be depressedto enable the entry of a new timing value by depressing the selecteddigits and enter key 77.

The control program for controlling is menu driven and is accessible tothe operator by use of the menu group of keys 78-80. Access to thecontrol program is made at predetermined points in the program to enableoperator entry of various instructions, machine setting data or timingsetting data. The key arrangement on terminal 60 is advantageous becauseit permits the functionality of the control system to be independent ofthe hardware. That is, the software control program may be changed whilestill enabling use of the same hardware. The menu driven software of thecontrol program is traversed using the menu group of keys. Once aparticular request drawing instruction is presented on display 81, the"do" key 78 will enable the operator to access the correspondingsubmenu, if any, by executing the menu item in the display. Thisprocedure continues until the software gets to a terminal node at whichthe particular menu item displayed will be performed (e.g. timingsetting data will be entered). The next and previous keys 79 and 80enable quick access to menu items. The next key 78 causes the display tocycle through the predetermined menu list in order to prompt theoperator to access menu items in a predetermined order to enhance systemcontrol.

Terminals 60 or 64 may be used to enter or display timing setting dataor machine data in memories 52 and 66, respectively. For example, thevarious events utilized in sequence to form an article of glassware (asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,915) and their corresponding timingsettings may be entered, changed and displayed by activation of thevarious function keys in keypad 70.

A more detailed diagrammatic view of machine terminal 64 having akeyboard 105 and display 106 is shown in FIG. 4. The keyboard anddisplay of machine terminal 64 provide the same input/output capabilityas hand-held terminal 60 and further provide additional capabilities toenable the machine operator to input or output data for a selectedsection from a central location while not interferring with the totallyindependent operation of each machine section. Keyboard 105 includes aportion 107 functionally similar to keypad 70 of hand-held terminal 60and a portion 108 unique to machine terminal 64. Portion 108 includesfunction keys 109 and 110 for selecting "section up" or "section down,"respectively in order to enable the operator to choose a section numberand increment or decrement that number to get data access to anothersection. "Event fill" key 111 enables timing data from any selectedlocal computer 12 to be temporarily stored in a temporary data storage(not shown) and to be loaded therefrom into another selected localcomputer 12, thus facilitating duplication of timing setting data in theseveral local computers 12 without the necessity of entering data intoeach one separately. In the prior art systems developed and sold by theassignee of this invention a similar function was performed bytransferring data from one portion of a single memory to another portionof the same memory. The fill function may also be accomplished in theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 by the addition of a microcomputer (notshown) between all local computers 12 and multiplexor 63. Keys 112 and113 may be assigned other desired functions which are not enumeratedherein.

Dislay 106 is, in one embodiment, a one line, twenty character display.A representative display is shown in FIG. 4 as being identical to thedisplay shown on the hand-held terminal in FIG. 3 with an additionalcharacter group 114 showing the number of the section to which theremaining characters pertain at any one time.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a more detailed schematic of themultiplexer 62 in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Data enteredfrom keyboard 105 provides binary parallel inputs to decoder 102(actually part of 64). In response to a unique binary input, decoder 102activates a selected one of its outputs S_(O) to S_(N), each of which isconnected respectively to the enabling terminal of a bidirectionalcommunications gate 120. Gate 120 may be, for example, an RS422 dualinput chip with tristate enable. The input terminals A and B of eachgate 120 are connected respectively to the output of RS422 bidirectionalgates 122 and 124. The enabling terminals of each of these gates 122 and124 are connected so as to be continuously activated to enable datatransfer between gates 122 and 124 and selected gates 120 whenever theassociated enabling signal S_(O) to S_(N) is activated. In the preferredembodiment shown, gate 122 provides an interface to machine terminal 64and gate 124 provides an interface to external archive tape storage unit65.

In operation, only one output of decoder 102 will be activated at anyone time in order to enable data transfer between a particular selectedsection (represented by the unique input code to the decoder) and theinput/output device connected to the data terminals of the gate 120associated with that section. For example, if the S₁ output of decoder102 is activated local computer 12b for section 1 will have itscommunication ports 61 and 62 connected to terminal 64 and tape unit 65.This will enable local computer 12b to accept data from keyboard 105 ortape (as may be required by the control program) and will enable datafrom the selected local computer to be displayed on display 106. If thepreprogrammed control program within the selected local computer 12brequires data transfer between it and tape unit 65 then appropriate datatransfer will occur.

Referring now to FIG. 6 there is shown an embodiment of the inventionutilizing a machine supervisory computer 90 connected to communicationport 62 of each local computer 12. Computer 90 facilitates operation ofthe glassware forming machine while still enabling totally independentoperation of all individual sections and their respective localcomputers. Computer 90 includes a bidirectional communications interface(not shown) for interconnecting selected ones of the local computers 12to selected input/output units connected to computer 90 such as globalterminal 91, tape unit 92 and printer 93. Other peripheral I/O units mayobviously be used.

Global terminal 91 includes cathode ray tube display 96 and keyboard 97.It will be noted that the global terminal keyboard is similar to themachine terminal keyboard shown in FIG. 4. Indeed, global terminal 91 issimilar in function to machine terminal 64, the primary difference beingthe inclusion of CRT display 96 in the former. Display 96 obviouslyenables the presentation of more data to the operator so that he may,for example, compare the timing settings of all sections simultaneously.

In the preferred embodiment the local and machine supervisory computersmay be housed in forming control enclosure 210. Enclosure 210 may be,for example, an environment-proof enclosure complying with NEMA 12requirements and may be situated at a convenient distance from the ISmachine 14. Each local computer is identical from a hardware point ofview and is a modular unit rack mounted within enclosure 210 for easyreplacement if necessary. Each valve block 16 is provided with a controlpanel 224 and each individual section 18 is provided with a blank sidecontrol panel 67 and a blow side control panel 68. The blank and blowpanels provide local plugs (not shown) by which handheld terminal 60 maybe connected to any selected section, from either the blank or blow sideof the machine, and its associated local computer. The panels alsoprovide the machine operator with local access to control functions suchas start, emergency stop, ware reject, etc.

Machine supervisory computer 90 provides the means to interface selectedones of local computers 12 to I/O devices such as tape unit 92 orprinter 92. Tape unit 92 may be used to store control program data to beloaded into computer 90 to control its operation. Note that the controlprogram stored in tape unit 92 is unit the same as control program datastored in the individual local computers 12. The latter control programsare always stored in ROM within each local computer. The control programstored in tape unit 92 is used only to control the operation of computer90 and does not inhibit in any way the independent operation of eachlocal computer and its corresponding section.

It will be noted that machine supervisory computer 90 may provide accessto all timing setting data within system 10. Hard copy printouts of anyselected data may be obtained through printer 93. Computer 90 may alsobe provided with an output data channel 100 for providing selected datato external data processing equipment (not shown). Global terminal 91,tape storage unit 92, printer 93 or other peripheral units (not shown)may be connected to computer 90 and situated in a convenient locationeither adjacent machine 14 or in a remote control room.

In one embodiment machine supervisory computer 90 may be, for example,an LSI-11 minicomputer available from Digital Equipment Corporation. Theparticular LSI-11 used in this embodiment has a 256K RAM for temporarydata storage to facilitate data transfer between selected localcomputers and peripheral units connected to computer 90. By reference toFIGS. 2 and 6 it will be noted that data communications between computer90 and selected local computer 12 may occur through port 62 andassociated communication interface 58. It is thus apparent thatcommunications may occur directly between CPU 54 of the selected localcomputer and the central processing unit included in the LSI-11. Asshown in FIG. 6 hand-held terminal 60 may be connected to port 61 of achosen local computer to provide parallel communications if desired. Inany event, since each local computer 12 is provided with its ownunalterable program storage means 50 as well as non-volatile timing andmachine data storage means 62 and 66, respectively, each local computer12 may operate independently of any other and independently of computer90. Contrary to prior art control systems for glassware formingmachines, no loading of control program data into local computers 12 isnecessary to permit their operation.

Terminal 91 may include coded access key slots 250-253. Each key slotwill accept only a predetermined key or code. The control program forcomputer 90 is written so that control and display of various data islimited to authorized personnel according to a chosen hierarchy in theglass plant. A four level access hierarchy arranging from lowest tohighest may be, for example, operator, set-up crew, product managementand equipment maintenance.

Operation of system 10 and access to various timing and control datawithin the system is a function of the particular key slot which may beactivated. For example, a machine operator may operate the machine andall of its sections by inserting the proper key into slot 250corresponding to the lowest access level (level 1). The operator maythus control display and entry of only the timing and control datanecessary to perform his work and may make certain limited changes totiming setting data and the like. The operator would be prevented fromaccessing or making changes to other data. A set-up crew may be given akey for slot 251 and thus permitted display and entry access to all ofthe data available to the operator plus some additional selected datasuch as machine data necessary to set-up the system for operation onn aparticular machine (i.e. access level 2). Additional data access issimilarly available by providing keys to slots 252 (level 3) and 254(level 4) to those individuals needing access to such levels. Such asystem prevents, for example, an operator from changing data beyond thescope necessary to perform his work or from obtaining access tosensitive production data.

Referring now to FIG. 7 the operator controls available on each valveblock 224, overhead or blank side panel 67 and blow side panel 68 areshown in more detail. Each section is provided with the same operatorcontrols for performing the functions of basic section control,adjustment cycle selection and operator aids.

The basic section controls available to the operator are section start(available only on panel 67), normal stop to a preprogrammed position(available on panels 224 and 68), alternate stop to anotherpreprogrammed position (available on panel 67), delivery start and stop(available on panels 224 and 68 respectively) and maintenance oremergency stop (available on panels 224 and 228).

There are adjustment cycles also available to enable the operator tocause the control system to perform a predetermined sequence of steps inorder to accomplish certain features. For example, blow side panel 68 isprovided with a "neckring change" control in order to position thesection for easy alignment and changing of neckrings, "blowhead adjust"control for adjusting the blowhead. Blank side panel 67 is provided witha "finish measurement" control for determining the height of thebottle's finish above the mold.

Various operator aid controls are also available in order to assist theoperator in performing various duties which heretofore had to bemanually performed. For example, blank side panel 67 is provided with aswab control to initiate a swab cycle to automatically position theparticular section's blank side for efficient swabbing. Similarly,panels 67 and 68 are provided with "cold blank" and "cold mold" controlsfor altering the sections cycle for efficient heating of blank and blowmolds respectively during start up or after mold change. Ware rejectcontrols are provided to assist the operator in automatically rejectingselected glassware. These controls are available from either the blankside or the blow side in order for the operator to be able to rejectware produced by either side. Four reject buttons are provided on eachpanel 67 and 68, one each for each mold within each section. (Note thatthe panels shown here are designed for a "quad-gob" system having fourmolds in each section of the machine.) Blank side panel 67 is providedwith ware reject buttons enabling the rejection of bottles currentlyproduced in the respective blank side molds such as, for example, duringstart up of the section. Blow side panel 68 is provided with ware rejectbuttons capable of either continuous rejection of bottles produced byselected blow molds or rejection of a predetermined number of bottlessuch as, for example, after swabbing. The control system may also beprogrammed to automatically select the ware reject function afteractivation of either "cold blanks", "cold molds", or "swab" controls.

It will understood by those skilled in the art that numerousmodifications and improvements may be made on the preferred embodimentsof the invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a glassware forming machine of the "individualsection" type including a plurality of sections operable in phasedrelationship within a cycle of operation of the machine, each of saidsections having a complete set of functional components for receivinggobs of molten glass and forming glassware articles in response tocontrol signals which actuate and deactuate said functional components,said glassware forming machine providing a machine synchronizing signalat a predetermined point of each cycle of operation,a control system forenabling the simultaneous and independent operation of said plurality ofsections, comprising: a plurality of local computer means, eachrespectively associated with one of said sections, for producing thecomponent actuating and deactuating signals in coordination with themachine synchronizing signal, and for identifying said componentactuating and deactuating signals with said functional components, eachof said local computer means comprising:unalterable program storagemeans for storing a section control program to control the operation ofsaid local computer means without regular ongoing communication with anysupervisory controller; non-volatile memory means for storing selectedtiming data indicative of actuation an deactuation times of saidfunctional components within each cycle of operation, and for storingmachine data which together with said timing data specify the parametersof said control program; and controller means for receiving said machinesynchronizing signal and said timing data and machine data and forprocessing these in accordance with said control program to produce saidcomponent actuating and deactuating signals; a plurality of interfacemeans, each interposed respectively between one of said local computermeans and its associated section for actuating and deactuating thefunctional components of said section in response to said componentactuating and deactuating signals; local terminal means for userdisplay, entry, and modification of selected timing and machine data,wherein said local terminal means is capable of handling all parametersof said section control program; and bidirectional communication meansfor connecting said local terminal means to a selected one of said localcomputer means.
 2. A glassware forming machine in accordance with claim1 wherein said terminal means further comprises:display means forpresenting to an operator pursuant to said predetermined control programat least one of a plurality of predetermined programmed requests forinstruction or data input for prompting said operator to input anappropriate instruction or data at a predetermined point in saidpredetermined control program; keyboard means for entering into saidlocal computer means instructions or data in response to said requests.3. A glassware forming machine in accordance with claim 2 wherein saidkeyboard means comprises:a group of various data keys for enteringnumerical data; a group of various timing keys for enteringpredetermined changes to the timing data displayed on said displaymeans; a group of various menu keys for enabling the operator to accessselected portions of said control program.
 4. A control system inaccordance with claim 1 further comprising means for transferringselected timing setting data from one of said local computer means toanother of said local computer means.
 5. A control system forcontrolling the actuation and deactuation timing of a plurality offunctional components of individual sections of a glassware formingmachine, said glassware forming machine including a plurality of saidsections each independently operable in phased relationship within acycle of operation of said machine to receive gobs of molten glass andform one or more glassware article per section, said glassware formingmachine providing a machine synchronizing signal at a predeterminedpoint within said cycle of operation, said system comprising:(a) aplurality of local computers, each respectively associated with one ofsaid sections, for generating component actuating and deactuatingsignals and for identifying said signals with said functionalcomponents, each of said local computers comprisingunalterable programstorage means for storing a section control program to control theoperation of said local computer means; non-volatile memory means forstoring selected timing data indicative of actuation and deactuationtimes of said functional components within each cycle of operation, andfor storing machine data which together with said timing data specifythe parameters of said control program; and controller means forreceiving said machine synchronizing signal and said timing data andmachine data and for processing these in accordance with said controlprogram to produce component actuating and deactuating signals; (b)global terminal means for permitting user display, entry, andmodification and data within the non-volatile memory means of a selectedlocal computer; (c) machine supervisory computer means for connectingsaid global terminal means to a user-selected one of said localcomputers via a bidirectional communications link, wherein the sectioncontrol program does not provide regular ongoing communications withsaid machine supervisory computer means; (d) local terminal means foruser display, entry, and modification of selected timing and machinedata, wherein said local terminal means is capable handling allparameters of said section control program; and (e) a plurality ofinterface means each interposed respectively between one of said localcomputer means and its associated section for actuating and deactuatingthe functional components of said section in response to said componentactuating and deactuating signals.
 6. A control system in accordancewith claim 5 further comprising:first storage means for storing firstpredetermined control data for controlling the operation of said machinesupervisory computer; means for loading said first predetermined controldata into said machine supervisory computer.
 7. A control system inaccordance with claim 5 further comprising:access code means forenabling access to selected data only upon entry of a predeterminedidentifying code, each identifying code being associated withpredetermined portions of said selected data.
 8. A control system inaccordance with claim 7 wherein said access code means includesprogressively increasingly restrictive levels of access to said selecteddata.
 9. A control system in accordance with claim 5, further comprisinglocal terminal means capable of displaying, entering, and alteringselected data within the nonvolatile memory means of a given localcomputer.
 10. A control system in accordance with claim 9 wherein saidlocal terminal means further comprises:display means for presenting toan operator pursuant to said predetermined control program at least oneof a plurality of predetermined programmed requests for instruction ordata input for prompting said operator to input an appropriateinstruction or data at a predetermined point in said predeterminedcontrol program; and keyboard means for entering into said localcomputer means instructions or data in response to said requests.
 11. Acontrol system in accordance with claim 10 wherein said keyboard meanscomprises:a group of various data keys for entering numerical data; agroup of various timing keys for entering predetermined changes to thetiming data displayed on said display means; and a group of various menukeys for enabling the operator access selected portions of said controlprogram.
 12. In a glassware forming machine of the "individual section"type including a plurality of sections operable in phased relationshipwithin a cycle of operation of the machine, each of said sections havinga complete set of functional components for receiving gobs of moltenglass and forming glassware articles in response to control signalswhich actuate and deactuate said functional components, said glasswareforming machine providing a machine synchronizing signal at apredetermined point of each cycle of operation,a control system forenabling the simultaneous and independent operation of said plurality ofsections, comprising:a plurality of local computer means, eachrespectively associated with one of said sections, for producing thecomponent actuating and deactuating signal in coordination with themachine synchronizing signal, and for identifying said componentactuating and deactuating signals with said functional components, eachof said local computer means comprisingunalterable program storage meansfor storing a section control program to control the operation of saidlocal computer means without regular ongoing communications with anysupervisory controller; non-volatile memory means for storing selectedtiming data indicative of actuation and deactuation times of saidfunctional components within each cycle of operation, and for storingmachine data which together with said timing data specify the parametersof said control program; and controller means for receiving said machinesynchronizing signal and said timing data and machine data and forprocessing these in accordance with said control program to produce saidcomponent actuating and deactuating signals; a plurality of interfacemeans, each interposed respectively between one of said local computermeans and its associated section for actuating and deactuating thefunctional components of said section in response to said componentactuating and deactuating signals; local terminal means for displayingpredetermined portions of said control program, and for user displayentry, and modification of selected timing and machine data, said localterminal means being capable of handling all parameters of said controlprogram; bidirectional communications means for connecting said localterminal means to a selected for one of aid local computer means; andfurther comprising means for controlling the actuation and deactuationof a plurality of components associated with machine functions common toall said sections, comprising a machine computer, machine terminalmeans, and machine interface means respectively analogous to one of saidlocal computers, local terminals, and local interface means.
 13. Acontrol system in accordance with claim 12 wherein the hardwarecomponent of said machine computer means is identical to the hardwarecomponent of at least one of said local computer means.
 14. A controlsystem in accordance with claim 12 wherein said second non-volatilestorage means for storing said second predetermined control program isan unalterable storage means.
 15. A control system in accordance withclaim 12 wherein said local terminal means further comprises:displaymeans for presenting to an operator pursuant to said predeterminedcontrol program at least one of a plurality of predetermined programmedrequests for instruction or data input for prompting said operator toinput an appropriate instruction or data at a predetermined point insaid predetermined control program; and keyboard means for entering intosaid local computer means instructions or data in response to saidrequests.
 16. A control system in accordance with claim 15 wherein saidkeyboard means comprises:a group of various data keys for enteringnumerical data; a group of various timing keys for enteringpredetermined changes to the timing data displayed on said displaymeans; and a group of various menu keys for enabling the operator toaccess selected portions of said control program.
 17. A control systemin accordance with claim 12 further comprising means for transferringselected timing setting data from one of said local computer means toanother of said local computer means.